Columnists Books

I grew up with McKay, and his book highlights points in his life that all of us in the graduating class of HHS '05 will never forget (or let him forget). Perhaps it is because I grew up with him that makes the book so good in my opinion. Perhaps it is a biased opinion. But whatever it is, I applaud McKay for his writings and his ambitions. His humor is natural, his self-depreciation unnecessary. And to Brian, I do not notice a spelling mistake on the first page.

McKay Recycled is a collection of columns that completely lack any originality or creativity. Talk to 80% (rough estimate) of high school or college students and you'll find more humor and wit in one sitting than in the entirety of this book. McKay acts like he's some sort of master wordsmith, using self-deprecation as a sarcastic joke, but he has a long way to go before reaching anything close to some of the writer's he's been compared with (which I can only assume came from friends or friends of the family). The fact that this book was apparently self-published goes to show that it was unworthy of being published by anyone who thought it would sell any copies.

To sum up: Good job McKay, you've done an excellent job of masturbating your ego and creating a false sense of accomplishment in yourself.

By the way, is that a typo I see on page 1?

Any book that mentions Britney Spears within the first three pages is worth the read and McKay Recycled certainly was. Save the cheesy Christmas poems, it was very enjoyable. Highlights include "My hypotenuse on baby showers", "Creating a political idol", "Hello my name is Brother Coppins..." as well as the entire Romance, The Plight Of The Intern, and All In The Family sections. I could easily see Audrey Hepburn's character in the film Charade falling for McKay because she loved authors and McKay certainly is one. I cannot wait to see what he cooks up next. Hit me McKay one more time.

Dave Barry and Bill Bryson had better watch out! There is no better observer of teen life; this guy is positively hilarious! I look for a big publishing house (wiser than "Dunce") to pick him up, then maybe I really WILL let him date my 18 year old daughter. Coppins is a seriously funny writer and has a bright future.

McKay Recycled was self-published by Dunce Publishing. But self-deprecating McKay is no dunce! A friend who read "All Aboard the Polarized Express" and has written op-ed pieces for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal was truly impressed by this 18-year old's talent, saying "he's good enough to be published by the Times". Echoing a previous reviewer "Watch out for this guy!"